Saudi Arabia gives a big gift to 10,000 indian Muslims!
The Haj Ministry of saudi arabia has decided to reopen the Haj Portal (Nusuk) for 10,000 additional pilgrims from India. This decision has been taken after a special demand from the indian government. This will fulfill the dream of thousands of indian Muslim pilgrims who could not apply earlier or whose application remained pending.
This decision of the Saudi government has also been confirmed by the Ministry of Minority Affairs of the government of India. The ministry clearly stated that this decision was taken because some Combined Haj Group Operators (CHGOs) could not adhere to the deadline set by Saudi Arabia. They were not able to book the camps, hotels and transport required for the Haj pilgrimage on time.
Proactive role of Indian Government
Taking the issue seriously, the indian government approached the Saudi Haj Ministry and finally obtained permission to reopen the portal for 10,000 pilgrims. This is also a testimony to the strong diplomatic relations between Saudi and India. The Ministry of Minority Affairs of india has directed all CHGOs to complete their processes without any delay and ensure accommodation, transportation and necessary arrangements for the concerned pilgrims.
Haj Quota and Policy
India has been allotted a total quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims from saudi arabia for 2025. Out of this quota, 70% is managed through the Haj Committee of india and 30% through Private Haj Group Organisers (CHGOs). The 10,000 additional places will be filled from this remaining private quota.
Haj Pilgrimage Date and Preparations
Haj 2025 is proposed to be held between june 4 and june 9, 2025, but its final date will depend on the sighting of the moon of Zilhaj, the last month of the Islamic calendar. The seriousness of the preparations for Haj this time can be gauged from the fact that India's Minority Affairs Secretary chandra shekhar Kumar and Joint Secretary CPS Bakshi recently visited jeddah city of saudi arabia and directly inspected all the preparations. Also, in january 2025, Union minister Kiren Rijiju also visited saudi arabia, where he signed a bilateral agreement related to Haj-2025.
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